I. Introduction
A. Acknowledgment of menopause as a significant life transition
B. The dual nature of menopause as both an ending and a beginning
II. Menopause as a Transition
A. Definition of menopause and its stages
B. Common physical and emotional changes experienced
C. The significance of understanding menopause as a natural part of life
III. Embracing a New Beginning
A. The opportunity to redefine self-care
1. Exploring new health and wellness practices
2. Prioritizing mental and emotional well-being
B. Finding joy in unexpected moments
1. Cultivating mindfulness and presence
2. Celebrating small daily victories and experiences
C. The importance of community and support during this phase
IV. Appreciating Wisdom that Comes with Change
A. Reflection on personal growth and lessons learned
B. How life experiences contribute to wisdom and self-awareness
C. Emphasizing a positive outlook on aging and life transitions
V. Conclusion
A. Reaffirming the notion of menopause as both a transition and a beginning
B. Encouragement to embrace this new phase with openness and positivity
C. A call to redefine perspectives on self-care, joy, and wisdom in the journey ahead
Embracing the Change: A Journey Through Menopause”
A Surprise Wake-Up Call: My Menopause Moment
Let’s first start with the Menopause symptoms, but they can be varied and not every woman will experience each one. They may include hot flashes, night sweats, mood changes, sleep disturbances, and vaginal dryness. Some women also experience weight gain, skin and hair changes, and urinary issues.
I always thought menopause would arrive gradually, gently, with time to prepare. Instead, it burst into my life like an uninvited guest, dragging along hot flashes, mood swings, and a sudden intolerance for tight waistbands.
“I remember the first time it hit me. I was relaxing and watching TV when I suddenly felt an intense heat rising from within my body. I thought, “What is this? Oh no! My first hot flash just hit.” I was probably in pre-menopause, as I didn’t experience another hot flash for a couple of years after that. I was most likely in perimenopause or menopause transition.
What are the three stages of menopause?
Perimenopause: can begin eight to 10 years before menopause when your ovaries gradually produce less and less estrogen. It usually starts when you’re in your 40s. You can be in perimenopause for several months or several years. Many people begin feeling symptoms like irregular periods, hot flashes, and mood swings in perimenopause.
Menopause: Menopause is the point when you no longer have menstrual periods. At this stage, your ovaries don’t release eggs, and your body doesn’t produce much estrogen. A healthcare provider diagnoses menopause when you’ve gone without a period for 12 consecutive months. Unlike the other stages, menopause itself is a defined moment, so you don’t stay in this stage.
Post menopause: This is the time after menopause. You stay in post menopause for the rest of your life. While most symptoms of menopause ease up in post menopause, you can continue to have mild menopausal symptoms for several years in post menopause. People in the postmenopausal phase are at an increased risk for osteoporosis and heart disease due to low estrogen levels.
Menopause is the permanent ending of menstruation. If it doesn’t happen because of any type of medical treatment or surgery, the process is gradual and happens in three stages:
One afternoon, while I was working on one of my projects. I found myself frantically fanning my face with a piece of cardboard that was lying around, wondering why the air conditioning had seemingly given up on me. It wasn’t the AC. It was me. The infamous “power surge” had arrived.
This all started in the summer of 2024. I was sweating uncontrollably and couldn’t find a way to cool down, questioning whether this was normal. I would often wake up drenched in sweat at night—though not every night, it happened at least four times a week. I could feel the sweat running down my back and sides, reminiscent of the sensation in a sauna. During the day, I’d just be standing there when suddenly a hot flash would hit. I learned to take deep breaths until it passed, but afterward, I would feel cold from being soaked in sweat.
At first, I felt frustrated, as if my body was playing tricks on me. I would often wake up at night drenched in sweat, crying, and wondering why menopause was so difficult for me. I believe there should be more support for women going through menopause; this time in a woman’s life is difficult. There should be a treatment for this condition because it should be treated as a condition. It should be covered by insurance. I wish I could find the humor in it like some other women do, but honestly, I cannot. For me, it has been a miserable time in my life, and sometimes I feel deeply depressed and sad for no apparent reason. I have two daughters, and I wouldn’t wish this pain on them.
My father passed away at the beginning of this challenging time in my life. Now, I can’t listen to a song I once loved because it takes me back to when it all began. Last month, my mom also passed away, which has been devastating. Going through two heart-wrenching losses in less than a year, especially while experiencing menopause, has been incredibly hard.
Detailed Symptoms:
Hot flashes, night sweats, mood changes, sleep disturbances, and vaginal dryness. Some women also experience weight gain, skin and hair changes, and urinary issues.
Sleep Disturbances:
Many women experience difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up early.
Mood Changes:
Irritability, anxiety, depression, feelings of sadness, and low confidence are common.
Vaginal Dryness:
This can cause discomfort during intercourse and may require lubricants or moisturizers.
Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM):
This includes vaginal dryness, painful sex, urinary incontinence, urinary leaks, urinary tract infections (UTIs), and decreased libido.
Weight Gain:
Some women may experience weight gain during menopause.
Skin and Hair Changes:
Skin may become drier, thinner, and more prone to wrinkles. Hair may also become thinner.
Urinary Issues:
Increased frequency of urination, urinary urgency, and incontinence (loss of bladder control) are possible.
Other Symptoms:
Some women may experience headaches, joint pain, muscle aches, difficulty concentrating, or memory problems.
Individual Differences:
Not all women experience all symptoms, and the severity and duration can vary.
Some women may have no noticeable symptoms at all, while others experience severe and persistent symptoms.
Symptoms can start during perimenopause (the time leading up to menopause) and may continue for many years after menopause.
I found the website One Woman Health very useful, however, the doctor is based in the UK, regardless she has very helpful articles. Hope you find her information as I did. Here is the Link:
I recognize that menopause is not only a transition but also a new beginning. It is an opportunity for me to redefine self-care, discover joy in unexpected moments, and value the wisdom that accompanies change.
Taking the Next Step
You don’t have to live with hot flashes, weight gain, mood swings, dry skin, or other menopause symptoms. Discuss with your physician or Ob/gyn your symptoms of menopause, they are there to help you cool down, get a good night’s sleep, and enjoy life again.
Written by Norma Moscoso
